Community raises safety concerns after arrest, police presence at Bellport HS
Suffolk County police said one minor was arrested Thursday at Bellport High School following what authorities described as a domestic incident. Police returned to the school on Friday for a separate matter that was classified as "non-criminal."
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New details are emerging about multiple incidents last week at Bellport High School, including an arrest connected to a domestic incident and another police response the following day.
Suffolk County police said one minor was arrested Thursday at Bellport High School following what authorities described as a domestic incident. Police returned to the school on Friday for a separate matter that was classified as "non-criminal."
After the multiple police responses, John Dolan, the district's interim superintendent, sent a letter to the community emphasizing the district's safety policies:
"The District has zero tolerance for any behavior involving physical violence, drugs, or the possession of any weapon or other object that poses a potential risk to the safety of students, faculty, or staff."
The incidents have left some community members questioning school safety and district transparency.
"We should know more, and zero tolerance should mean exactly that," said Ed Southard, of Brookhaven. "Make it a real thing."
Southard, who has relatives in the district, said the recent incidents are concerning.
"We're concerned, absolutely, 100%," he said.
The concerns come as the district navigates significant budget reductions. The district cut more than $530,000 from its security budget after facing a budget shortfall of more than $10 million.
Michael Cohen, a former Brentwood schools superintendent, said personnel costs often account for the majority of a school district's budget.
"Eighty percent of your budget is in personnel, salary and benefits," Cohen said. "So, the only way that you can make a significant reduction in that overall budget is by eliminating jobs."
The district also eliminated more than 90 full-time positions as part of its cost-saving efforts. District officials would not confirm whether any of those positions were security related.
News 12 also spoke with a part-time security guard at the high school who said he has not been officially laid off but has not been asked to work this school year.
A district spokesperson said additional information will be provided Wednesday at a public Board of Education meeting.
